Pleasanton Weekly

News - February 8, 2013

News digest

Gas stations lawsuit

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O'Malley and six other district attorneys filed a civil lawsuit Monday against BP West Coast Products, BP Products North America Inc. and Atlantic Richfield Co. for allegedly violating state laws governing hazardous materials.

Their suit, which was joined by California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, charges that the companies failed to properly inspect and maintain underground tanks used to store gasoline for retail sale at more than 780 ARCO gas stations in the state. The complaint alleges they tampered with or disabled leak detection devices, and failed to test secondary containment systems, conduct monthly inspections, train employees in proper protocol and maintain operational alarm systems, among other violations.

Documents obtained by inspectors from the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health showed that BP officials instructed its service stations in Alameda County to maintain gasoline leak detection sensors at a height contrary to California law. A statewide investigation found violations of hazardous materials and hazardous waste laws and regulations at gas stations in 37 counties across the state, and at 28 gas stations located in Alameda County.

Schools off two Mondays

Pleasanton schools are closed Monday in honor of Lincoln's birthday and then again next Monday, Feb. 18, for Presidents' Day.

Only the schools in Pleasanton are celebrating Feb. 11 as a holiday. Everything else will be open as usual.

Charlene Jones, Mrs. Northern California-America 2013, and Operation Warrior's Foundation are bringing comedian PJ Walsh to the Pleasanton Veterans Memorial Building, 301 Main St., for a special Valentine's Day show. Door open at 6:30 p.m.

Walsh, who toured with Larry the Cable Guy, is donating his time for the evening of comedy. Proceeds will go to help local veterans make co-pays for prescription medications. Tickets are $20 (must be 18); military, veterans and spouses are $10. For tickets, call (510) 984-1125 or visit operationwarriorsfoundation.org.

The Pleasanton VFW Post 6298 will be selling food and drink tickets at the door.

Correction

Last week's story on the musical "Rent" should have said it was based on Giacomo Puccini's opera "La bohème." It's last performance is Feb. 10.